Saints quarterback Drew Brees and the rest of the first-team offense and defensive players likely will play a quarter in the team's preseason opener at Arizona on Thursday night, according to Coach Sean Payton.

Payton said after Brees gets in a set number of plays, backup quarterback Mark Brunell will take over, followed by Tyler Palko, who is expected to play most or all of the second half.

"We typically try to break it into three phases," Payton said. "This first game usually involves somewhere around a quarter. It's easier to say plays than quarters, because the offense might have 21 plays in the first quarter, or the defense might have a certain amount of plays in the first quarter, so more importantly how much time are they getting, how many snaps are they getting."

Payton said he expects all the players to be ready to practice Saturday.

LOOKING FOR IMPACT: Receiver/kick returner Skyler Green, a former Higgins and LSU standout vying to make the team as the primary return man and a reserve receiver, said he's hoping to make a big impression against the Cardinals.

Green likely is entrenched in a battle with fellow reserve receiver Lance Moore, who also returns kicks, for one of the final receiver spots on the roster.

In Saturday's scrimmage, Green showcased his big-play potential, returning a kickoff for a 96-yard touchdown and hauling in a 46-yard pass.

"I have to go out there, do whatever is expected out of me and make the plays I can make, and try not to do anything out of the ordinary, just play within myself," he said.

Geathers, a 6-foot-2, 245-pound defensive end, originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Saints on May 5, and spent most of the offseason with the club before being waived before training camp. Geathers is the son of former Saints defensive lineman James "Jumpy" Geathers.

CODE OF CONDUCT: The NFL has created a fan code of conduct for all of its stadiums.

The new fan code of conduct requires fans to refrain from the following behaviors:
Behavior that is unruly, disruptive or illegal in nature.
Intoxication or other signs of alcohol impairment that results in irresponsible behavior.
Foul or abusive language or obscene gestures.
Interference with the progress of the game (including throwing objects onto the field).
Failing to follow instructions of stadium personnel.
Verbal or physical harassment of opposing team fans.

Nakia Hogan can be reached at nhogan@timespicayune.com or 504.826.3405.